Adelaide United continued their pursuit of the A-League title with a 4-2 win over the Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium.
The visitors took a shock lead through Roy O’Donovan in the 16th minute thanks to a swift break orchestrated by Liam Rose. However, the Mariners let the Reds back into the match in the 29th minute as goalkeeper Paul Izzo failed to deal with Isaias’ long-range strike, levelling the scores.
From there Adelaide found their attacking edge, swiftly adding to their tally through the impressive Stefan Mauk and Bruce Djite to enter half time with a two-goal lead.
Despite a myriad of chances, the Reds were unable further extend their lead until the closing stages, when Pablo Sanchez won and converted a penalty after coming on for Marcelo Carrusca.
The Mariners were able to pull on goal back thanks to a stunning effort from Roy O’Donovan, but by that stage it was far too late for the men from Gosford to salvage a result.
Adelaide continues title charge
The Reds remain one point adrift of first-placed Brisbane Roar, who leapfrogged Western Sydney Wanderers into top spot after their 3-2 win against Sydney FC last night. However Adelaide missed a golden opportunity to improve their goal difference in an effort to gain ground on Melbourne City’s impressive +19 differential.
City can take spot with a win tomorrow night against Wellington, but with two matches to play goal difference could make the difference between first and fourth on this season’s congested table. A two-goal win is certainly comfortable, but given the ease with which the Reds were playing through the Mariners defence at times they could have found the net on a few more occasions.
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Mariners defensive horror show
As has been the case for much of this campaign, the Mariners produced a competitive start to the match but were unable to sustain pressure on Adelaide’s goal. From the moment Adelaide drew level through Isaias, Tony Walmsley’s side crumbled, showing their well-known defensive vulnerability to concede three goals in nine minutes.
Adelaide’s third also gave them the unenviable record of conceding the most goals ever in an A-League season, surpassing the 60 conceded by North Queensland Fury in five fewer matches. Add to that another soft penalty conceded by a rash challenge in the final minutes and it’s no wonder the Mariners are planning an extensive recruitment drive in the off-season. The club’s defence has not been up to A-League standard this season, things need to change if the team is to be even remotely competitive ever again.
Mauk’s building reputation
The rise of Stefan Mauk continued at Coopers Stadium, with the 20-year-old scoring one goal and having a hand in another. Returning to his home town in the middle of the season from Melbourne City, Mauk has seamlessly filled the void left by the departed James Jeggo and shone in his central role. It takes something special to outshine a player like Marcelo Carrusca, but Mauk’s performance was certainly up to the required standard today.
Outside90 Player of the Year votes
3 – Stefan Mauk – Adelaide United
2 – Isaias – Adelaide United
1 – Roy O’Donovan – Central Coast Mariners
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